Master of Education (M.Ed.) Program Overview: Advancing Your Career in Education
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) is a postgraduate degree designed for educators and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of educational principles and practices. It is awarded by universities worldwide and focuses on the theoretical aspects of instruction and education. An M.Ed. provides students with an understanding of educational philosophies, curriculum design, teaching pedagogy, assessment principles, and research methodologies. Ideal for experienced educators seeking to enhance their knowledge base or recent graduates pursuing further study, an M.Ed. can unlock numerous opportunities in higher education administration or academic research.
The Value of a Master's Degree in Education
Earning a Master of Education can significantly elevate your teaching career, granting access to extensive knowledge, experience, and skills necessary for educational leadership roles. With an M.Ed., educators can pursue higher-paying positions and even become administrators. Furthermore, holding this degree enhances competitiveness in the job market and underscores a commitment to lifelong learning.
Salary Implications
The National Council on Teacher Quality has found that 88% of large school districts offer additional pay to teachers with master’s degrees. A master's degree earns teachers, on average, an additional $2,760 in their first year of teaching compared to a bachelor's degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports a high payoff for a master’s degree in education: Education administrators earn 44% more than those with bachelor’s degrees. Preschool and kindergarten teachers with master’s degrees make 43% more than those with bachelor’s degrees, and elementary and secondary school teachers earn 28% and 24% more, respectively.
Career Advancement
An M.Ed. can strengthen your position in the competitive job market and allow you to gain an additional subject in which you’re certified or licensed. This can help you fill a teaching gap or qualify for more specialized teaching areas or a more in-demand position, such as special education, English Language Learner (ELL) or math teacher. Some states (Maryland and New York, for example) require a master’s degree to advance or maintain your teaching certificate. Many mid- and senior-level positions require a master’s degree to be considered and an M.Ed. can help you move into a leadership or administration position.
Types of Master’s Degrees in Education
There are four main types of degrees: Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts in Education (M.A. Ed.), Master of Science in Education (M.S. Ed.) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT).
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Master of Education (M.Ed.)
This degree program often focuses on practical, field-based experience to help you understand and evaluate education practices. Specific courses vary by concentration, but coursework generally will cover such topics as instructional design, differentiated learning, instructional theories, educational best practices, education research, educational leadership and education policy and reform. M.Ed. programs are also frequently designed to provide the flexibility needed for full-time teachers to be able to continue teaching while pursuing their degrees. This is geared toward teachers who want to expand their understanding of teaching theories, strategies and pedagogy, and those who want to move out of the classroom and become school principals, curriculum designers, school counselors or even corporate trainers.
Concentrations or Specializations may include:
- Educational Leadership, PK-12
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Higher Education Leadership
- Educational Technology
- Teaching English Language Learners
- School Counseling
- Inclusive Learning and Special Education
- Literacy and Digital Learning
- STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics)
Master of Arts in Education (M.A. in Education)
When enrolled in Master of Arts in Education programs, students gain advanced knowledge about education and a particular subject, such as math, English or history. Coursework may include curriculum development, education theory and educational research in the content area. This is for current educators who want to develop both depth and breadth in their studies, including focusing on the theoretical and scholarly aspects of education. They often go on to pursue instructional or administrative careers in education.
Concentrations or Specializations may include:
- Special Education
- Technology and Learning
- Literacy and Language Instruction
- Science and Mathematics Education
- English Language Learner (ELL) or English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Educational Psychology
- Arts Integration
- Educational Studies
- Teacher Leadership
- Higher Education
- Curriculum Instruction
Master of Science in Education (M.S. in Education)
A Master of Science in Education program, like a Master of Arts in Education program, combines courses in the concentration’s content area with classes in teaching methods that will help degree seekers understand the pedagogical approaches they need to be effective classroom teachers. This is for current educators who are interested in research and technical expertise and those whose career goals require both practical knowledge and expertise in research, quantitative methods, and qualitative analysis. Often these degree holders become researchers, policymakers, curriculum developers or administrators.
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Concentrations or Specializations may include:
- Early Childhood Special Education
- Childhood Education
- Adolescent Education
- Literacy Education
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- School Counseling
- School Building Leadership
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Higher Education Administration
Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A. in Teaching)
M.A. in Teaching programs equip students with the foundational knowledge, hands-on field experience and teaching strategies needed to be effective in the classroom. They provide a combination of theoretical courses - leadership in classrooms, instructional design, student development - and practical work, including student teaching and research. The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A. in Teaching) degree satisfies the needs of individuals who don’t have an undergraduate teaching degree but want to teach and need practical hands-on skills and experience. It’s also an option for teachers who want to stay in the classroom and advance their teaching careers by focusing on practical skills and subject-specific content.
Concentrations or Specializations: An M.A. in Teaching can be in any area in which a teaching degree can be earned as well as in specialties such as:
- Early Childhood Education
- Primary/Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
- Gifted and Talented Education
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Literacy and Reading
Key Components of a Master of Education Program
While specific curricula vary, most M.Ed. programs incorporate core elements designed to enhance educators' skills and knowledge.
Curriculum and Instruction
This area focuses on advancing knowledge and professional practice in teaching and learning. Coursework generally centers on teaching methodologies, public service, and scholarly pursuits. At the master's level, curriculum and instruction majors often engage in educational research.
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Counseling
This track prepares students to become mental health professionals, working toward state licensure in mental health counseling. Candidates typically have undergraduate backgrounds in psychology, sociology, or social work.
Specific Fields of Education
Teachers can deepen their expertise in specific subjects or branch into new areas within education, such as mathematics, social studies, science, or different school levels (elementary, high school).
Adult Education
This specialization focuses on teaching individuals 18 years or older. Programs may include adult literacy, high school diploma programs, English as a second language, parent education, and job training, often sponsored by government initiatives.
Preparation for Doctoral Studies
This area is designed for teachers planning to pursue doctoral programs. Students explore specific educational issues and begin educational research in preparation for doctoral work.
Educational Administration
Most states and provinces require a master's-level degree and certification for educational administration roles (principal, assistant principal, dean, consultant). The superintendent level typically requires doctoral-level work.
Examples of M.Ed. Programs and Specializations
The following examples showcase the diversity of M.Ed. programs and specializations offered by various universities:
Anderson University
Anderson University offers a 33-credit hour online M.Ed. program designed for working professionals. The program focuses on practical application of research-based best practices, curriculum development, current issues in education, school relations, and literacy. A bachelor’s degree in Education is required to enroll in this program.
University of Virginia (UVA)
UVA's School of Education and Human Development offers a variety of M.Ed. programs, including a 100% online M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction. This program equips educators with knowledge and skills for an ever-changing educational landscape. Students can choose an area of emphasis from Educational Innovation, English as a Second Language (ESL), Gifted Education, Instructional Technology, Literacy, Professional Studies, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Foundations, or Customized Coursework. UVA also offers a dual MBA/M.Ed. program in partnership with the Darden School of Business.
Bushnell University
Bushnell University's M.Ed. program is a 36-credit in-person program with evening and online courses during the summer session. It is designed for educators who currently hold an Oregon teaching license and want to expand their knowledge and advance their careers. The program allows students to add a specialty endorsement to their current teaching license, with endorsement areas including Special Education, Physical Education (PE), Reading Interventionist, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
Carson-Newman University
Carson-Newman University offers a Master of Education Program that can be completed in half-semester units, ideal for full-time graduate students. Students in Carson-Newman online cohorts take all MEd courses completely online. The university offers M.Ed. programs with emphases in Curriculum and Instruction, Coaching, Reading Specialist, Special Education, Teaching ESL, and Educational Leadership.
Franklin University
Franklin University’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership is predominately for people who want to move out of the classroom. It offers a focus area in higher education and another in K-12 building-level leadership.
University of Texas
The University of Texas offers the Texas Principal Leadership Academy (TPLA), a 12-month master’s program designed to prepare graduates to take the Principal as Instructional Leader EC-12 exam and become leaders of socially just, equitable and high-achieving public schools in Texas.
Choosing the Right M.Ed. Program
Selecting the right M.Ed. program requires careful consideration of your career goals, interests, and personal circumstances. Consider the following questions:
- What are your career goals? Determine your aspirations and the path you want to take in education.
- How can you use the master’s degree to advance your career? Research the qualifications and skills required for your desired positions.
- What will your focus, or concentration, be? Identify the areas of specialization that align with your goals.
- Does the college or university’s education program align with your goals? Ensure the program offers the specific concentrations or specializations you need.
- Does the education program fit your life? Consider the program's flexibility and scheduling options to accommodate your current commitments.
The M.Ed. in Media & Technology
The purpose of the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in media & technology is to address the learner in the classroom and requires integration of instructional design principles into multimedia presentations with an emphasis in assessment. As classroom instructors across a range of academic disciplines integrate technology into their classrooms, there is an expanding need to have pedagogy and skills that drive this integration.
Financial Aid and Loan Forgiveness
MEd students may be eligible for federal and state financial aid. Student loan payments may be deferred until program completion. Additionally, the Teacher Loan Forgiveness program is available for up to $5,000 for graduates who teach for five years in low-income schools and meet other requirements.
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